NPSL Media

PREVIEW: CLARKSTOWN SC EAGLES (HOME) VS. LEGACY 76 (AWAY)

Game Details: Wednesday, July 20th, 4:00 pm, Ramapo College in Mahwah, NJ

Ticket Details: Admission is free

Clarkstown SC Eagles

This is the first playoff match for Clarkstown as they earned a bye for the first round after finishing first in the Keystone Conference with a 10-1-1 record. They finished the regular season with a massive +19 goal differential.

The Eagles feature a high-flying attack that was responsible for 31 goals, which was tops in the conference. Talented striker Lucas Befi was the team’s leading scorer with seven goals and three assists.

The defense, which ranked second in the conference, conceded just 12 goals in the regular season thanks to the solid work of center back Chris Riordan and goalkeeper was Bryan Lopez. Riordan played in nine games, starting eight. He even had one goal, which proved to be a game-winner. Lopez played in seven games and had two clean sheets. He would finish with 20 saves and a 1.00 GAA.

Notable Quote: “Our team is looking forward to being in the playoffs after a very successful season, winning the Keystone Conference for the second straight year. Our goal is to go further into the playoffs this year, making it to the national championship round.” – Oliver Papraniku, Clarkstown SC Eagles Owner and Head Coach

Legacy 76

Legacy 76 finished the regular season with a 6-2-2 record and a second-place finish in the NPSL’s Mid-Atlantic Conference. They arrive at this stage of the playoffs thanks to a 5-4 win on penalty kicks over Boston City FC. This match involved a marathon effort, a game that included a three-hour lightning delay, two overtime periods, and a penalty shootout.
James Grace leads the Legacy attack with five goals and three assists.

Defensive midfielder/center back Alec Faulkner started eight games and is the backbone of the team’s defense. Goalkeeper Joseph Ghitis provides a stable presence between the posts after finishing with three shutouts and a 1.10 GAA in the regular season.

Notable Quote: “After a thrilling and historic win for our club/team we are very excited to have the opportunity to travel and play the #1 seed for a chance to compete for the region championship” – Bobby O’Brien, Legacy 76 General Manager